Military challenge schools emphasize the development of moral character.
Military challenge schools provide academic training while also promoting moral character and fitness. Such schools employ programs such as ROTC or JROTC or follow a similar model to train cadets to achieve their full intellectual, physical and moral potential. Military challenge schools welcome at-risk youth and train these youth to become functioning members of the community.
Fork Union Military Academy
Fork Union Military Academy (FUMA) was founded in 1898. It is in Fork Union, Va. FUMA is a college preparatory boarding military school for boys in Grades 6-12. FUMA promises students a rigorous academic curriculum that teaches discipline, leadership and Christian values. The academy is not affiliated with any branch of the military and so does not offer ROTC, JROTC or any other training in military doctrine, tactics or technique. While the school does admit teens that have demonstrated signs of trouble, the school is not a "boot camp." FUMA is designed to serve the needs of high-achieving and under-achieving young men by challenging them to reach their potential.
The Howe School
The Howe School is located in Howe, Ind. It is a private, college preparatory boarding school for both girls and boys that operates under the program of JROTC. The mission of the school is to prepare cadets for advanced education while also developing their moral character. The school welcomes cadets of all faiths but is affiliated with the Episcopal Church. Cadets are trained to develop self-discipline, leadership and physical well-being. Of the 30 faculty members at The Howe School, more than 30 percent hold advanced degrees (master's or higher). Tuition and expenses are about $30,000.
The National Guard Youth Challenge Program
The National Guard Youth Challenge Program was founded in 1993. It is a youth program for at-risk boys and girls 16 to 18. Currently, the program has academies in the following states and territories: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. The academies are federally and state funded, so there are no tuition fees. The Challenge Program's mission is to train, mentor and develop cadets so that they become functioning and productive members of the community. Curriculum focuses on eight core objectives: academic excellence; job skills; physical fitness; leadership/followship; health, sex education and nutrition; life coping skills; responsible citizenship; and community service.
St. Catherine's Military School
St. Catherine's Military School was founded in 1889. It is in Anaheim, Calif. St. Catherine's provides Catholic education for boys in kindergarten through Grade 8. The school follows a military tradition by supplementing academic learning with programs that instill strong moral character and a sense of personal responsibility. St. Catherine's welcomes boys who have demonstrated themselves to be at-risk, but its program is not specifically designed for children that have a history of social or learning problems. The school offers boarding school and day school programs. Tuition for students in kindergarten and first grade is about $8,000. Tuition for students in Grades 2-8 is about $11,000. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
Tags: moral character, Challenge Program, challenge schools, Fork Union, Howe School, affiliated with